‘We Felt Like We Could Take On The World’ 

For Opening Ceremony flag bearer Brendan Burkett, the Sydney Games was the perfect way to cap off a stellar career in the pool that spanned four Paralympic campaigns and included one gold medal, three silver and one bronze.  

Burkett’s path to Sydney 2000 was not always certain. After several years of doubt over whether his best days in the pool were behind him, the boy from central Queensland pushed his body over the line to break the world record for the 50m freestyle S9 at the 1999 European Championships.  

“After that I remember thinking, ‘The old bugger’s still got it’,” Burkett said.  

“My father had passed away earlier that year and that race was my turning point. After years of wondering whether I had peaked, it gave me the confidence I needed to get me to the Home Games in Sydney.  

“To be honoured as flag bearer in the Opening Ceremony was absolutely amazing. It was a great team to be part of and walking out there we felt like we could take on the world – and we did.” 

Burkett remembered that the incredible highs he felt during the Games were matched by debilitating lows.  

“I felt the extremes of emotions – the highest of highs during the Opening Ceremony and disaster when I didn’t defend my title in the 50 metres freestyle. Obviously, it was awesome to compete at a Home Games, to carry the Australian flag at a Home Games, and I felt extremely patriotic and proud of the fantastic Games our country staged.  

“But, at the same time, it was heartbreaking to not defend my title in front of all my family and friends.”  

Affectionately known as ‘Beaver’, Burkett maintained a close connection to the Australian Paralympic Movement. In addition to being a Professor of Sport Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast, he became head coach of the Australian Para-Swimming Team.  

When the Tokyo Paralympics was postponed for 12 months, Burkett helped deliver an inspirational rallying call through a poem he crafted in 1999. The poem was a celebration of what is means to be an Australian, to wear the green and gold, and to represent the Australian Paralympic Team.  

It’s about loyalty, pride, teamwork and, above all else, doing your best when times are tough.  

By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.

Published 18 October, 2025.